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What is Cold Brew Coffee?

 

Social media has been a fantastic outlet for the millions of people who want to share photos of their dog, their vacations, their dinner, and of course, THEIR COFFEE. It’s a fact that every time you go on instagram, you are likely to see an artsy pic of somebody’s oat milk cappuccino or cuppa cold brew. Cold brew coffee has been pretty popular over the last few years and it is not dying out anytime soon. But what exactly is it and why is it so amazing? 

 

What makes it so great?

Cold brew is different from drip coffee, it is a form of coffee that is brewed cold and is kept cold for serving. Warning, it takes a longggg time to brew, so don’t try and make it monday morning before work, it will be very disappointing. It is brewed for 12-15 hours, yes HOURS. Although this sounds like a hassle, it actually has a purpose. This method makes the coffee sweeter, more full bodied, and less acidic. So, you can make a batch on the weekend, and then have coffee ready every single morning, without the wait, saving time to sing in the shower. C’mon don’t deny it, I know you’re belting out “Hello” by Adele into your shampoo bottle. 

Apart from being delicious and very aesthetically pleasing, what are some benefits of giving cold brew a try?

 

    1. Cold brew contains just the amount of caffeine you need. Yep that’s right, it can have more or less caffeine than regular coffee depending on how you like it. While making the concentrate, you can brew it for different amounts of time depending on how strong you want it. Go crazy, amp up the caffeine till you’re running circles around yourself if you so desire. This is helpful to know, especially for those long busy days. Due to the long steeping time, the coffee to water ratio is about 1:60 compared to normal drip coffee at 1:20. You are making a cold brew concentrate, so you can dilute it as much as you want to fit your needs (or how many emails are stacked in your inbox on Monday). 
    2. Better for sensitive stomachs. For all you IBS sufferers who have a love hate relationship with coffee, this should be wonderful news. Studies have found that cold brew is slightly less acidic than regular hot coffee, making it easier on the stomach. Also cold brew contains crude polysaccharides, which are carbohydrates that boost the immunity of your digestive system. This can decrease gut irritation, and high acidity in the stomach. 
    3. May lower risk of heart disease. Certain compounds in cold brew may reduce risk of heart disease, for example chlorogenic acids and diterpenes in the coffee act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, caffeine, phenolic compounds, magnesium, trigonelline, quinides, and lignans are all compounds in cold brew that increase insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar and lower blood pressure. Whew, that’s a lot of big words, but in a nutshell, it can help your heart work properly!
    4. Environmentally friendly. When you brew your own coffee, and store it for the week, you are using less items that require throwing away. Think about it, if you’re making coffee everyday, that’s 7+ coffee filters or ‘pods’ going into the landfill, not to mention the disposable coffee cups and money you’re using if you buy coffee out each day. If you brew it all in one jug, with one filter on sunday, you save 6 days worth of waste. It may not seem like a big deal but every little bit of help counts when it comes to saving our planet.

 

HOW TO MAKE IT:

 

  1. First, purchase your choice of roasted coffee beans locally or online and coarsely grind them. (depending on whether you’re going to drink it with milk, you can choose dark to light roast. Light roasts are better without milk) 
  2. Add 8 ounces (226 grams) of grounds to a large jar and stir in 2 cups (480 ml) of water.
  3. Cover the jar and let the coffee steep in the refrigerator for 12–24 hours.
  4. Place cheesecloth into a fine mesh strainer and pour the steeped coffee through it into another jar.
  5. Discard the solids that collect on the cheesecloth or save them to use as plant food or shower scrubs etc. The liquid that remains is your cold brew coffee concentrate!
  6. You’re ready to go! Pour your coffee into a cup and add milk and sugar if desired!

* tip: add cinnamon or nutmeg to spice your drink up!

 

 

 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coffee-and-blood-pressure

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-insulin-sensitivity

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6003581/

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Whats on your Summer Camping Checklist?

Whats on your Summer Camping Checklist?

Fresh mountain air, the birds chirping, sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows. Camping is a great way to spend summer break, but the prep can be so difficult! However if you plan right, it doesn’t need to be overly complicated. Need some ideas of what to pack? 

Here are three super easy delicious recipes, that your family will love!

Campfire Granola:

Make a super rad and completely personalized granola! Pack a roll of foil and some oats along with your favorite toppings, to toss together over the fire. Start with an oat base, and sprinkle some rolled oats, as well as oat bran or whatever type of other oats you feel like, onto a sheet of tin foil. Add a bit of butter or your choice of oil to the oats and mix to cover them with a very very thin layer, making sure the bottom of pan or foil is well oiled as well. Sprinkle in some cinnamon, salt, and some brown sugar maple syrup or honey if you want extra flavor and stir. Now time for the fun part! Add whatever sort of toppings you feel like, almonds, cashews, dried cranberries, goji berries, chocolate chips, PB cups, pretty much anything you want. Once your creation is complete, then wrap the granola up tight so there’s no room for air, and place into the hot coals. Use tongs to remove from coals to shake well every 5 minutes or so for about 10-15 minutes. Once done, remove from heat, stir and enjoy!

Camp Chile:

There’s nothing better than a good bowl of hot chile. It warms you from the inside. Well, bring along your trusty campfire pot and some beans for a quick delicious camp meal! Try out a bag of our Organic Chili Colorado Blend, which is full of Red Kidney, Organic Black, Pinto, and Red Chile beans as well as Barley, Green Lentils, and Red Lentils. Or opt for our Heirloom beans mix which has tons of exotic colored and rich tasting heirloom bean breeds. Start by adding the beans to a pot of boiling water for about an hour and let soak. Then simmer the mix with your choice of onions, garlic, herbs & spices, Bacon, Veggies, etc. for about 2-2 ½ hours. Add salt and pepper to taste, and eat up!

Banana Boats:

Take a banana, with the peel still on, cut length-wise from stem stopping short of the bottom, carefully making sure not to cut through the banana peel on the other side. Once cut, gently pull the sides apart till the banana resembles a sort of “boat-like” shape. Next find your favorite toppings, such as caramels, SunRidge mini milk chocolate peanut butter cups, marshmallows, rice krispies, cereal, etc. and sprinkle into the boat. Fill to you’re happy with the fillings. THen place the full banana onto a piece of tin foil and wrap around the top, so none of the banana is showing. Finally, place the wrapped banana into the coals of the fire and leave for about 10 Min. Check to see if the banana is your desired heat or consistency, and remove from fire and enjoy!

 

 

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Can Eating Certain Foods Lower Anxiety?

Are you stressed?

Anxiety is becoming more and more prevalent in the world today. Unfortunately with every generation, percentages rise. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 globally suffers from anxiety, and many of those people are children and young adults. What is Anxiety and how can we deal with it?

 

What is anxiety?

Although it’s common, many people don’t know what anxiety entails, and because of this, many go undiagnosed and misunderstood. There are many types of anxiety but it can be categorized into a couple different main types. The common denominator of all of these disorders however, is a lurking feeling of worry or fear that is not easily controlled dismissed. It can cause headaches, trouble concentrating, sleeplessness, fatigue, mood swings, among many other things. There are different ways to treat anxiety and it is possible to deal with it without using medication by controlling your lifestyle. Some effective ways to limit anxiousness involve: regular exercise, sleep, and a nutritious diet. You can expel bad toxins and nervous energy by working out regularly and making sure what goes into your body is good for you. Your gut health has a huge impact on how the rest of your body functions and so by eating certain types of foods you can actually reduce the severity of your anxiety*.

 

*We are not doctors, seek a medical professional if your anxiety is extremely severe and preventing you from functioning in daily life, or causing suicidal thoughts/actions.

Some main types of anxiety include*:

General Anxiety Disorder

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety

Panic Disorder

Phobias

Agoraphobia

Can Foods Lower Anxiety?

The answer is yes! Although food cannot miraculously cure all anxiety and panic disorders, there are types of foods that can help lower levels of anxiety and increase “happy hormones.”

Some foods you can incorporate into your daily life include:

 

  1. Salmon: Salmon contains amino acids and nutrients that aid your brain health including vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have also demonstrated that those acids can regulate dopamine and serotonin levels, resulting in a calming effect. In addition salmon’s nutrients can reduce inflammation, and help your brain deal with stress triggers and prevent the development of brain disorders such as anxiety.
  2. Chamomile: Chamomile is a well known plant that is mainly used in tea as a calming, soothing drink. It’s high levels of antioxidants help control inflammation levels. The main antioxidant found in chamomile is called Pigenin, which is found to bind to specific receptors in your brain. They help calm and relax you, which results in reducing anxiety levels and making you sleepy. *
  3. Turmeric: Turmeric is known for having many health benefits and most of them are a result of a compound in the root called Curcumin. This compound plays a huge role in decreasing inflammation in the body, which is believed to be a big factor in anxiety. It also helps increase blood antioxidant levels, which helps with circulation and oxygen levels in the body.
  4. Dark Chocolate: This one is my favorite, for obvious reasons, it’s a good reason to eat chocolate! What makes dark chocolate different is that it contains flavonols, or types of antioxidants that help brain functionality. They increase blood flow to the brain and help the mind adapt to stressful situations, resulting in less anxiety. Also studies have shown eating dark chocolate boosts levels of serotonin (one of the happy hormones).
  5. Yogurt: Yogurt is a gut improving food. Yogurt contains probiotics that help your healthy gut bacteria grow and flourish, leading to healthy operating brains and response to stress. In new studies, scientists have discovered that certain components of yogurt can cause our body to inhibit certain neurotoxins that cause damage to brain tissue. But not all yogurt contains probiotics, so make sure to check that your yogurt has “live cultures” in the ingredients.
  6. Plant Based foods: Anything plant based is going to be good for you, since you’re eating food with fewer chemicals and less processed or modified. Plants have essential vitamins that our bodies thrive on and help repair cells and tissues. You can’t go wrong with eating what the earth gives us!

 

The bottom line is: even though foods will not completely eradicate anxiety, you can take steps to limit the amount you feel! Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

 

Snacks that lower anxiety!



*to learn more about each of these disorders check out:

https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-anxiety

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-reduce-anxiety#section6

https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/anxiety/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/teas-that-help-you-sleep#section1

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Adaptogens: What are they?

What’s an adaptogen?

If you’re like me, this word probably evokes the thought of special chemical compounds given to lab subjects, resulting in some type of super power of sorts. I mean with a name like that, it’s bound to have something to do with superpowers. Surprise: In a sense it actually does! Natural superpowers that is. Adaptogens are a type of plant or substance that have healing qualities, they can help with balancing, building up and refreshing the body. One of their main qualities is helping the body deal with stress, but there are innumerable other effects of these substances that will make you feel like a superhero. There are many adaptogens available, but here’s a few examples so you can find one that’s right for you!

 

What do they do?

 

  1.  Maca:

    The appearance of the Maca root looks similar to a turnip or radish, growing in a few different colors such as red, tan and black. This power root is known for its vast amount of healing properties. People who consume maca experience Increased energy and stamina, and athletes have commented on it aiding with higher endurance levels. It combats chronic fatigue, and gives you lasting energy instead of caffeine spurts. Another plus is that maca helps with hormone balance, it balances and regulates hormones so that your body can work normally, as a result it reduces depression, anxiety and stress, promotes mental clarity and focus. Maca is also fantastic to take as you get older because it causes enhanced memory, as well as improving circulation throughout the body. AND it even increases hair growth! Many more benefits have been found as well, check them out!
  2.  Asian Ginseng:

    Known sometimes by its botanical name Panax, which actually means ‘all heal’, has been used for hundreds of years as a healing product for all kinds of things. Its most common attributes include reducing stress and anxiety. It has the power to relax the nervous system, however it energizes it as well. This results in a caffeine like feeling, without the anxiety and increased heart rate and random twitches you get from drinking coffee. It helps your body process the stress and anxiety, but doesn’t make you feel tired or fuzzy, instead it gives your energy and vigor. People also report on it’s anti-aging abilities. Hundreds of stories are found online about someone’s grandmother who never ran out of energy and was strong to her dying day, all because she took a ginseng pill every morning. Although unfortunately it doesn’t claim to cause immortality, it does help the body stay healthy and working properly as you age such as lowering blood sugar and cholesterol and improving your memory.
  3.  Holy Basil: 

    This plant, also known as tulsi, is a well known medicinal herb in India. Holy Basil is used to treat all types of things ranging from anxiety, to snake bites. It has been used to treat many illnesses including infections, skin diseases, colds, flus, high fevers, and even snake bites and scorpion stings. It works to lower pressure throughout the body, easing aches and fevers, and possibly reduce pain response. Another of its benefits, is that it helps the body cope with stress. It lowers anxiety levels and calms the body down. This prevents stress induced canker sores or stomach ulcers. As it lowers stress levels it lowers blood pressure, but doesn’t make you feel sluggish, instead it enhances cognitive functions and reaction rates.
  4.  Rhodiola Rosea: 

    Similar to the other adaptogens, Rhodiola also works to reduce fatigue and exhaustion due to a stress “burn out”. It is known in Russia as a remedy for fatigue, poor attention span and even helping with memory loss, and has even been used to give to workers to make them more productive. In most people, it has proved to be very effective in reducing fatigue and feelings of stress and being overwhelmed. It even helps athletes performance while exercising, increasing endurance and energy. Rhodiola promotes vitality and vigor, rather than random energy spikes. In addition, it functions as an antioxidant as well, helping the body guard itself against illness and disease.

 

There are so many other adaptogens available, some other well known ones include: Ashwagandha, Astragalus Root, Licorice Root, and more!

 

Want to try some out? Check out our MACA adaptogen products:

 

 

Sources:

https://draxe.com/adaptogenic-herbs-adaptogens/

https://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-ginseng-asian.html

https://draxe.com/ginseng-benefits/

https://experiencelife.com/article/ancient-healers-adaptogens/

https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/supplements-remedies/rhodiola-for-what-ails-you/

 

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Coconut Lime Quinoa with Shrimp & Garlic Broccolini

Makes 4 servings

1 cup Quinoa

1 cup water

¾ cup coconut milk

2 limes

⅓ cup Coconut flakes

2 cloves of garlic

2 Tbs olive oil

1 tbs butter

I bunch of broccolini

20 deveined raw shrimp

Salt and Pepper to taste

 

The Quinoa:

First Rinse 1 cup of quinoa in a fine strainer, set aside. Drizzle a little olive oil into a pan and turn on medium heat. Pour quinoa into pan and stir until most of the moisture has evaporated. Pour water and coconut milk and pinch of salt into pan and stir. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. While that cooks, get out a small pan and pour in coconut flakes. Sauté on medium heat till they toast to a nice golden brown. About 3-5 minutes. Set aside in a bowl.

After 15 minutes is up, check the quinoa and fluff it with a wooden spoon. Take the lime and zest it into the the quinoa (how much you do depends on how strong you want the flavor) squeeze half the lime into the mix and stir. Take about ¾ of the coconut flakes and stir into the quinoa. Set aside.

 

Broccolini:

Trim the stems of the broccolini to about 3 inches. In a medium pan, sauté the broccolini with about a tablespoon of olive oil or oil of choice, and finely chopped clove of garlic. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally till the broccolini is cooked through, but a tad crispy on the outside, about 10 min. Cover and set aside.

 

Shrimp:

In a medium pan melt 1 tablespoon of butter, then add crushed clove of garlic, and sauté till fragrant. Add shrimp and sauté till cooked, about 10 min. Squeeze the other half of lime on the shrimp. Done

 

Assembly:

Scoop quinoa onto plate or bowl, then place broccolini on top. Add shrimp, then use the rest of coconut flakes to sprinkle on top, zest the rest of the lime, and drizzle a little more lime juice to top it all off. Fin!

Enjoy!  

 

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Thai Curry Cashews

Thai Curry Cashews: The Ultimate Snack

You know the feeling, you get home from work or even a hike or jog and you’re hungry but you’re not ready for a full meal. Well I have fantastic news for you, the SunRidge Farms Thai Curry Cashews are the answer to all your snacking needs! With the perfect balance of spicy and sweet, along with just the right amount of saltiness. This snack is jammed packed with flavor and is an ideal pick me up for whatever occasion!

 

Why we chose these flavors:

Originating in India, Curry is now a classic flavor that is popular all over the world. The spices in the curry mix are full of zing and zest, however it’s not just the flavor that makes this snack an excellent choice. The ingredients are also packed with nutritional benefits!

One of the main ingredients found in the Thai Curry Cashews is Turmeric. Other than being an incredible yellow color, inspiring artists worldwide, turmeric is a magnificent spice. 

 

*1. Helps with skin:

Want clear skin? Of course you do, that’s such a silly question. Well, your prayers are answered! Turmeric works against acne causing bacteria, and even aids in fading acne scars. A primary antioxidant found in the main component is called Curcumin, which fights against wrinkles and rejuvenates your skin.  In addition, the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities of turmeric make wounds and scars heal faster and cleaner! This makes it a great survival food to have on you when you go hiking or camping! Get ready for glowing, fresh skin in no time!

 

*2. Digestive Detox:

The next best thing about turmeric is its detox abilities. Turmeric is a great addition to your diet if you are trying to lose weight or just cleanse your system. It works as a metabolic accelerator and helps your body burn calories faster aiding your workout routines and eating patterns. By ingesting turmeric it also detoxes the liver, which gets clogged and run down over a period of eating bad and stress. When the liver is clean and working smoothly, this results in a healthier physique and weight loss. Other benefits include lowered cholesterol levels and soothing of muscle, and pancreatic cells, adding to a healthy mind and body.

 

*3. Anti-inflammatory:

Another plus of Turmeric is the anti-inflammatory attributes. The compound, Curcumin, plays a huge role in calming inflammation, often comparable to the strength of pharmaceuticals. It is often used for patients as a treatment to gout and arthritis. It can even treat muscle pain and exercise injuries. When ingested, it can soothe stomach pain, cramps, bloating, and irritability. The anti-inflammatory attributes also help with boosting cardiovascular health. Turmeric’s natural levels of vitamin B and Curcumin, help balance cholesterol levels and cleans arteries. This also results on lower stress and anxiety levels which are a side affect of too much inflammation in the body.

*4. Improves mental health

Recent studies have shown that turmeric also improves mental health! In the past, doctors have used turmeric to boost patients cognitive abilities, memory, and concentration. Everybody has those days when the brain cells are on hiatus…turmeric could be a non caffeinated alternative to waking them up! (Sign me up!!) As an antioxidant, turmeric works by stimulating brain activity and preventing against cognitive disintegration. It also detoxes the brain and helps clear your neural pathways. Curcumin compounds in the turmeric, are also used to help those with depression and anxiety, having results similar to that of different antidepressant medication, except it’s better for you! This is a huge plus for those who suffer from depression or stress and want a natural treatment and don’t want the dangerous possibility of medication addiction or side effects.

 

Click here to get your very own bag of Thai Curry Cashews!

OR

Just stock up on your Turmeric!

 

*Resource material found here 

 

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Amp up your School Snacks

Get out of your school snack rut:

We’re halfway through the school year, and we know how hard it is to come up with lunch and snack ideas for your hungry little learners every single day. You may be at the point where you hear too often little Jimmy sadly crying out “oh no, not peanut butter and jelly, AGAIN!”  We’ve been there too.

That’s where we come in. There are plenty of snack options out there, but sometimes it can be hard to find convenient snacks for kids that are both tasty and preservative free. So, what are the yummiest snacks that are healthy for kids, but also help their performance in school?

 

Here are just a few options of foods that will do just that!

 

  1. Sunflower seeds- According to studies, Sunflower seeds are an ideal snack for all ages. They are full of folic acids, Vitamin E, and selenium which balance sugar levels in the body aiding in longer attention span and more energy. And since they are seeds, they are safe for “Nut-free classrooms” and great for sensitive young ones!

 

  1. Oatmeal- Oats are an ideal breakfast and snack for kids and adults alike! Oatmeal is protein packed and rich in fiber, which aids in keeping heart and brain arteries clear and working properly. According to one study, children who ate oatmeal before school did better on memory related assignments than those kids who just ate sugary cereals. Because oatmeal is also full of Vitamins E, B, and zinc, it stimulates kid’s brains to work quickly and can improve learning capabilities.  

 

  1. Walnuts- Walnuts are fantastic for keeping your young ones awake and alert during the day, They have high levels of antioxidants, multiple vitamins  as well as minerals that improve mental alertness and help you focus (Vitamin E, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, etc.). Studies have shown that just eating a few walnuts a day will help improve mental function and get you more clarity during the day.

 

  1. Beans and Lentils- Beans and/or lentils are another perfect food for the little ones. Full of carbohydrates for energy as well as protein and fiber to keep the brain healthy and growing, a bowl of them will do wonders for sustaining focus and boost brain power throughout the day! There are plenty of ways to eat them as well: Soups, burritos, breakfast tacos, dips, or just plain!

 

  1. Avocados- Avos are full of monounsaturated fats that result in healthy blood flow, making for a healthy and alert brain. The omega 3s and proteins also found in avocados also aid in brain functionality and heightened concentration, keeping your tiny humans full for longer and ready to learn! Spread it on toast, put it on a sandwich, or dip pita chips in it, there are so many options.

 

Check out our Nuts, Seeds, Beans, and Oats options:

 

  • And Many, Many More!

 

Sources:

Yummy Mummy Blog

Dr. Axe

 

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How to make your own Custom Granola!

Custom made Granola tutorial:

 

This is for you granola nuts out there ( hehe see what I did there?) and all of you who want a quick snack ready to go in your pantry. It’s difficult to find the perfect granola, sometimes it’s too crunchy, or not crunchy enough. Maybe you like it all except for the cranberries, because you don’t fancy cranberries. I UNDERSTAND. Well, I have fantastic news for you! This is your very own tutorial on how to make your own Granola! You can put all the almonds or chocolate chips in you want, we won’t judge! This is YOUR custom made snack.

 

Let’s get started: See recipe below for measurements

 

Step one: There’s two options here, so take your pick on how to cook the granola. Either start with preheating the oven to 275 degrees OR plug in your slow cooker and set to High once ingredients are placed inside.

 

Step two: Grab your preferred granola ingredients. Our recommendation is starting with a base, for example: Rolled oats, Flaked almonds, etc. Then grab some nuts or seeds that you like such as: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts. Next try adding some other treats like coconut shreds, raisins, cranberries, other dried fruits,

or even chocolate chips, etc.

TIP: add chocolate and fruit after granola is cooked if you don’t want them to melt.

 

Step three: Place all of your ingredients into a bowl. And now it’s time to spice it up! Pick a few spice flavors that you would like in your granola. Some options are: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, lemon zest and more. Mix and match to your liking.

 

Step four: Pick a sweet. Think about how sweet you want your granola, and then add your sweet source accordingly. You can use sugar, honey, agave syrup or maple syrup. Next choose an oil, there’s no wrong choice but usually unflavored oils are best. Something like coconut oil or grapeseed oil will work nicely. Pour over nuts and oats, and mix all the ingredients together.

TRICK: To make a crunchier granola beat an egg white and stir into your mixture.

 

Step five: Awesome, you’re almost done! Now spread your granola mix onto a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet, or in your slow cooker. If its on a baking sheet place inside the oven for 10-15 minutes to bake, stirring occasionally. If in slow cooker, push high heat for 30 min, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

 

Step six: Remove and let sit to cool. Enjoy! Put granola on yogurt, cereal, smoothies or just enjoy it by itself as a snack!

 

Easy Coconut Vanilla  Granola Recipe (yields 5 cups)

 

  • 1 cup thinly sliced or chopped almonds
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg (optional)

 

 

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The History of Chocolate

 

December 16th was National Chocolate Covered Anything Day!

Oh Chocolate..the gift straight from the heavens. Just the thought of it make your mouth water. Well listen up chocolate lovers, I have good news. Did you know, that there is a day, completely dedicated to eating and celebrating chocolate? Specifically Chocolate covered things? In honor of this day, I did some research on how chocolate originated.

The Origin of Chocolate

It is unclear who invented or started using chocolate, but the first recorded appearance of chocolate was traced back to the ancient Olmecs of southern Mexico. However, their version of chocolate was very different than what we think of today. It started with the harvest of the cacao pods that are native to south and central America, whereupon the beans were removed from the pod and dried. The beans were then roasted, then used to make a special drink for ceremonies and important events. The tradition was then passed on to the Mayans who also had chocolate drinks at all their important events, even using it to finalize transactions or treaties. Their chocolate usually was combined with chili peppers, honey, or water and was made into a frothy drink. It could be found in any household and was common with almost every meal. The Aztecs then took chocolate to another extreme, even valuing it higher than gold. They used the beans as currency and was normally reserved for the higher class citizens.

Modern Chocolate

How chocolate got to Europe is still a mystery, but once it arrived in the 1500s, people went crazy for it. They began importing chocolate and buying land overseas for chocolate plantations, then began experimenting and started the transition into more of a dessert, adding cane sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. Chocolate houses soon sprouted up all over Europe for the recreation of the wealthy. Chocolate arrived in Florida from a spanish ship in 1641, but it wasn’t until 1682 that the first chocolate house opened in Boston, thereupon chocolate bagan to spread through the colonies, and travel west. From there it continued changing and eventually turned into a mass market all over the world, manifesting itself in many forms, not just for drinking. It was then made into bars, candies, powders, etc. and in the end, we were left with innumerable chocolate options, in pretty much every store, every country.

In the last couple years, companies have taken chocolate to a step further. They’ve found ways to make it healthier and as pure as possible, even making options available for all types of alternative diets as well. Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Fair Trade, Organic. You name it!

So go out and celebrate National Chocolate Covered Anything day everyday!!

I’ll help you get started with these favorite chocolatey goodies :

Fair Trade Dark Chocolate Coconut Chews

Organic Dark Chocolate Coffee Almonds

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Organic Fair Trade Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramels  

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Amazing Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

You might have missed it, but October 3rd was National Pumpkin Seed Day! But no need to worry, you can still celebrate!

Pumpkin seeds often get overlooked, they are in a lot of trail mixes, but do they really do anything for you? Surprisingly, they have many health benefits that most people don’t know about!

Here are just a few health benefits that will make you want to celebrate national pumpkin seeds day everyday!

 

  1. Zinc- Immune Support

Pumpkin seeds are actually full of Zinc! But what in the world does zinc do for you? Well, zinc helps your body build up it’s immune system, promotes cell growth, sleep, improves mood, and even sense of taste and smell?! Improves skin and eye health. Often people are easily zinc deficient due to depleted soils, diets, and low levels of zinc in foods. Zinc deficiency can cause fatigue, depression, skin problems, and a weakened immune system. Basically zinc does pretty much everything, so Eat. Your. Pumpkin. Seeds!

  1. Plant Based Omega 3 fats

Pumpkin seeds and other raw nuts are huge sources of plant based Omega 3s or Alpha-linolenic acid, that our bodies convert into usable fats and oils. Omega-3s do wonders for skin, eye, and hair health, as well as improving brain function, reducing depression, and lower risk for heart disease.  

  1. Anti-diabetic benefits

Studies have shown that pumpkin seeds may improve insulin regulation and prevent diabetic symptoms. Because of their levels of Zinc, Omegas and other valuable attributes, it can regulate blood sugar and help repair insulin levels. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in magnesium which is shown to increase insulin levels and prevent type 2 diabetes.

  1. Heart and Liver health

Another of pumpkin seeds healthy attributes is their levels of good fats, and fibers. Fiber and healthy fat are extremely good for your heart and liver, fiber cleans out your gut and allows arteries to flow freely, by absorbing cholesterol in your intestines by binding itself to other products in your digestive tract to encourage expulsion of all of it. Good fats play a huge role in reducing cholesterol and balancing blood sugar levels, they’re anti-inflammatory, and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Pumpkin seeds mixed with flax seeds have proven to increase fats and fiber levels for optimum effect.

  1. Restful Sleep

Guess what? Pumpkin seeds also help you sleep better! Who doesn’t want that? Pumpkin seeds have an amazing amino acid called tryptophan that our bodies turn into serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin, AKA the sleep hormone. This hormone makes your body relax and promotes better sleep throughout the night and make you wake up feeling rested and energized. Eating just a few pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed can provide enough tryptophan to make you sleep soundly.

 

Favorite Pumpkin Seed Snacks!